Fitzgerald Physical Therapy shares the inspiring comeback story of 15-year-old Hunter Fitzgerald
Melrose, MA – Fitzgerald Physical Therapy is proud to share the inspiring story of 15-year-old Hunter Fitzgerald, a standout multi-sport athlete and son of clinic owners Dr. Holly and Sean Fitzgerald. This upcoming Friday marks eight weeks since Hunter underwent ACL reconstruction surgery, following a traumatic knee injury sustained during a high school soccer match.
Hunter, a rising sophomore at Austin Prep, is a dedicated year-round athlete, competing in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse—and when he’s not on the field, he’s often seen around one of Fitzgerald PT’s clinics. During a recent game, a goalie landed on Hunter’s planted leg, resulting in a full ACL rupture. Unlike the more common non-contact ACL injuries that can sometimes be prevented through training, Hunter’s was a contact injury—sudden, severe, and unavoidable.
His surgery was performed by Dr. Czarnecki, the same trusted orthopedic surgeon who reconstructed both of his mother, Holly’s, ACLs years earlier. Now at age 50, Holly is not only back on the soccer field, but also training for her 20th marathon this fall—a living example of long-term recovery and resilience.
Guided Rehab and Return-to-Sport Expertise
Hunter’s rehab journey is progressing smoothly under the care of the skilled ACL PT team at Fitzgerald PT, where he’s receiving a carefully tailored post-op program that includes:
- Range of motion and soft tissue work
- Gradual strength and neuromuscular training
- Return-to-sport benchmarks aligned with national guidelines
In addition to personalized physical therapy, Fitzgerald PT also offers Return-to-Sport Testing—a crucial program developed by Holly and her clinical team to determine when athletes are truly ready to get back on the field. This protocol combines strength testing, movement quality analysis, hop performance, and psychological readiness assessments to help prevent re-injury. They also offer additional recovery methods such as BFR, Alter-G, NMES, dry needling, dynamometry testing, NormaTec Compression Therapy, and more!
A Family Committed to Recovery
“We’ve always told our patients: what happens after an injury is what matters most,” said Dr. Holly Fitzgerald. “Hunter’s injury may not have been preventable, but his recovery is in his control—and we’re supporting him every step of the way.
Hunter’s recovery is more than just physical—it’s a testament to the power of expert care, family support, and mental toughness.
At Fitzgerald PT, the mission goes beyond rehab; it’s about restoring confidence, rebuilding strength, and helping athletes return not just to sport, but to the life they love. With Hunter’s determination and the team’s guidance, his comeback story is only just beginning.
About Fitzgerald Physical Therapy
Fitzgerald Physical Therapy has served the greater Boston community for over 20 years, specializing in sports medicine, orthopedic rehab, and return-to-sport protocols. Their PTs and health care professionals are dedicated to providing evidence-based care to examine, diagnose, and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function in daily life. Their clinics specialize in orthopedic physical therapy, where disorders and injuries to the musculoskeletal system are diagnosed, treated, and managed. They have three convenient locations in Melrose, Woburn, and Wilmington, MA.
To learn more or schedule a Return-to-Sport assessment, visit www.fitzgeraldpt.com
